[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 108 (Thursday, July 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1135]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          IN RECOGNITION OF THE NATION'S FIRST BALE OF COTTON

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 25, 2013

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize this country's first 
bale of cotton in 2013, which was delivered by the Rodriguez Brothers' 
Farm at 2:15 p.m. on Friday, June 21, 2013, to the La Feria Co-Op Gin. 
The cotton with seeds weighed 1,920 pounds.
   Cotton is an important agricultural commodity to South Texas. Last 
year, in the 34th Congressional District of Texas, which is anchored in 
Cameron County, 217,106 bales of cotton were produced, worth an 
estimated $72,500,000.
   The first bale, once ginned, will be delivered to the Harlingen Area 
Chamber of Commerce.
   The First Bale contest dates back to the 1800's when producers were 
required to deliver their first bale of the growing season to Houston 
for certification. In 1953, the Harlingen Cotton Committee was 
authorized by the Houston Stock Exchange to hold the contest in 
Harlingen each year.
   The Harlingen Cotton Committee of the Harlingen Area Chamber of 
Commerce has certified the nation's first bale of cotton for the past 
60 years.
   Mr. Speaker, I appreciate having this opportunity to honor the first 
bale of cotton in the nation. This annual competition continues to 
highlight the importance of South Texas in our country's agricultural 
industry.

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